Horizon, HMH and RWJBarnabas Introduce Braven Health Plans

On Sep 15, 2020

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) announced the formation of Braven Health^SM, a Medicare Advantage plan serving eight counties. HMH and Horizon BCBSNJ are also working with RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH) to join Braven Health, subject to approval by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.

Braven Health plans use Horizon BCBSNJ’s existing Medicare Advantage managed care networks, meaning that every doctor and hospital that participates in those networks, which are among the largest in New Jersey, will also be in-network for comparable Braven Health plans. As a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plan, Braven Health’s members choosing a PPO plan will also have access to the BCBS national Medicare Advantage PPO network whenever outside of New Jersey.

“Delivering an excellent health care experience while making health care more affordable requires continued innovation in the ways we collaborate and operate,” said Luisa Y. Charbonneau, chief executive officer of Braven Health. “As healthcare companies with impressive track records of working together to improve health care these are the perfect partners to help Braven Health be accountable to the customer and bring true innovation to the Medicare market.”

The joint venture stems from years of work the organizations have done together to advance value-based care through the OMNIA Health Alliance. Braven Health offers a member-focused health care experience guided by those who know each member’s health best – their doctors.

“Today’s Medicare eligible New Jerseyan wants a healthcare partner who supports their active, vibrant lifestyles. By providing a healthcare experience that is comprehensive, integrated and simple to navigate, Braven Health is a new way to health for a new generation of Medicare members,” said Gary D. St. Hilaire, president and CEO of Horizon BCBSNJ. “This partnership is the culmination of years of work together with partners that possess a shared dedication to healthcare innovation and patient-centered care. Through Braven Health, Horizon and its provider partners will share total responsibility for the cost and quality of the care that our members receive.”

“Finding innovative, effective ways to deliver care is at the center of everything we do at Hackensack Meridian Health. Embarking on this partnership with Horizon was a natural progression in our quest to make health care seamless and less stressful,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “We are a national leader in delivering high-quality, affordable health care to our Medicare patients through our Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), and Braven Health provides our Medicare patients with a new option for care. Additionally, this unique company creates a stronger partnership with our physicians and practitioners.”

Braven Health will have a Practitioner Council made up of physicians representing various specialties. This council will provide recommendations to the Braven Health CEO and board of directors on ways to improve the plan from the practitioner’s perspective, giving them an active role in Braven Health and helping ensure a better experience for the provider community.

“At RWJBarnabas Health, we are committed to enhancing access to the highest quality care for all residents of New Jersey,” said Barry H. Ostrowsky, president and chief executive officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “Today, we are proud to stand with two organizations who share our vision for enhancing the health and wellness of our state – namely Hackensack Meridian Health and Horizon – and I am confident Braven Health will yield amazing benefits for New Jersey’s Medicare population.”

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